It’s a universally known fact that when school is back in session after a holiday, there is an uptick in illness amongst students. (Studies indicate that viral transmissions of Covid-19 reduce by as much as 60-80% during school breaks!) Similarly, when a child first enters a daycare, preschool, child care, or any group education setting, it is common for them to experience frequent bouts of illness—as many as 8-12 additional colds a year for an infant!
But there is good news! The American Academy of Pediatrics goes on to state that illnesses decrease in frequency during a child’s second year in a group care/education setting. Additional good news? Studies indicate that children who attend childcare prior to their elementary school tend to catch fewer colds and respiratory infections when they transition to elementary school. In addition, other studies indicate that early exposure to a pathologically diverse environment might help decrease the risk of a child developing allergies and asthma later in life!
While parents may understand it takes time for their child to build immunity, no one likes to see their child suffer through another cold or stomach bug. So, what are some ways to keep your child healthy while at school or childcare? As always, consult your child’s health care provider for best practices for you and your child, however, here are some general guidelines recommended by the CDC and AAP.
Nutritious Meals. A balanced, nutritious diet boosts immunity. (Source.) That means plenty of colorful vegetables, fruit, grains (at least half of daily consumption should be whole grains), low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese or an alternate suggested by your health care provider, lean protein and healthy fats. Studies indicate that a diet high in “refined sugar and red meat and low in fruits and vegetables can promote disturbances in healthy intestinal microorganisms, resulting in chronic inflammation of the gut, and associated suppressed immunity,” states The Nutrition Source, Harvard University. If you are concerned that your child isn’t getting enough nutrients through their diet, talk to your health care provider. Sonnet Montessori provides a healthy, balanced meal that meets or exceeds the USDA nutritious meal requirements – and it is offered at no additional charge to parents of children in our Toddler or Children’s House communities!
Hydration. Ensure your child is drinking enough water. “Water regulates your internal body temperature, dissolves and transports nutrients in the bloodstream, assists in flushing out waste” and more. (Source.) Hydration also helps your skin and mucous cell membrane prevent bacteria from entering the body! (Source.) In our classrooms, water is always accessible to children, who can help themselves when they are thirsty. They are also encouraged to drink water throughout the day and after physical activity such as outdoor play or extracurricular classes such as martial arts, dance or gymnastics!
Sufficient Sleep. Is your child getting sufficient sleep? Mayo Clinic says that children’s sleep requirements are often underestimated in terms of not only the child’s behavior and cognition, but overall health. Sleep gives your child time to restore and recover body systems and optimizes the immune system to defend itself against colds and the flu. (Source.)
Moderate Activity. A sedentary lifestyle or an intensely active lifestyle can both inhibit the immune response, studies indicate. Conversely, some studies indicate that acute (as opposed to chronic) exercise improves defense activity and metabolic health and that “habitual exercise improves immune regulation.” (Source.) Get outdoors and kick a few balls back and forth with your child, ride a bike or go for a nature walk! The fresh air and green spaces not only lower stress, but also contribute to boosting both the mood and the immune system! At Sonnet, we are outdoors at least twice a day, weather permitting, to enjoy physical activity and fresh air!
Hand Washing. We can’t say it enough. Enforce regular, thorough handwashing at home. The rule of thumb is 20 seconds, or about twice through the “Happy Birthday” song! We first get our hands wet, then apply soap, scrub the front and back of our hands, in between our fingers and under our nails, then rinse and dry! Wash hands before and after meals, when coming in from outside or coming home from running errands, after touching pets or animals, after using the toilet, after wiping or blowing your nose, after coughing or sneezing into your hands, and after coming in contact with any bodily fluids.
Cover Your Cough and Sneeze. Did you know an uncovered cough or sneeze can spread germs up to five feet from the mouth? We encourage children to cough and sneeze into the inside part of their elbow (or shirt sleeve) rather than into their hands. The elbow isn’t a place that typically comes in contact with other people or surfaces, so it helps limit the spread of those germs.
Sanitizing Surfaces. How frequently do you sanitize surfaces at home, especially light switches, door knobs and other “hot-spots”? While you can be vigilant at home, what about at your daycare or childcare? At Sonnet, high-touch surfaces are sanitized frequently throughout the day and always before and after meals and snacks. In addition, did you know that Sonnet Montessori School & Childcare contracts with professional janitorial services for cleaning and sanitation services daily?
Up-To-Date Vaccinations. Keep up with all vaccinations recommended by your healthcare provider.
Stay Home When Sick. When your child is not well enough to participate in regular activities at school or daycare, keep them at home. While it is difficult for parents to juggle work with caring for a sick child, it’s important for each parent to do their part in following exclusion guidelines out of consideration for other children and the teachers but also to ensure their child gets the rest they need to restore their health. The sooner we can stop the spread of illness, the healthier everyone will be!
